The aftermath of a disaster that has directly affected your house is most often is a traumatic situation that is filled with stress and uncertainty. Paul Davis shares the following tips and information that can help provide a smoother recovery process.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (614) 486-5060

Obviously, it’s always important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are safe and that you contact your relatives and friends to inform them that you are safe.

Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as you can.

Keep a listing of any and all household personal belongings or goods that you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your property.

Is your house safe? Depending on the amount of damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the repairs and cleanup are complete. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Water Damage Tips
You’ve suffered a water loss. While you are waiting for Paul Davis to arrive, below are helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

Be Safe: A water event can present several potential safety hazards to occupants. The potential for slips, falls and electric shock are very real. Also, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only complete tasks that can be done so safely.

Water Source: It is very important to turn off the water. For most, the main shut-off valve is located either in your garage or utility room, or outside, next to your water meter.

Electrical: Turn off all power to affected areas of the house. Don’t operate your TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet carpets or floors.

Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to assist with drying in the summer or in humid areas of the country.

Floors: Get rid of as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Never use a vacuum cleaner.)

Clothing/Fabrics: Relocate wet items to a dry area. Don’t let draperies to stay in contact with wet carpeting or floors.

Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpeting. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags beneath the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any excess water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips
You’ve suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for Paul Davis to arrive, below are some tips to help handle with the damage:

Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the scene completely safe. Even when the fire is out, there are potential safety hazards to be aware of. The potential for slips and falls from the water that was used to put out the fire, as well as cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be done safely.

Going Back Inside: The aftermath of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a small amount of time, entry by a person can lead to additional damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.

Appliances/Electronics: Do not use any TV, stereo or electronic appliances until they have been checked by a technician. If the electricity is off, empty the contents of your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open using a rolled towel.

Carpets: Avoid walking or tracking on carpet if at all possible. Do not use ”DIY” home carpet cleaners.

Ceilings/Walls: Don’t attempt to wipe or wash ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.

Doors: Close all doors in affected areas to restrict smoke odors as much as possible.

Food Items: Never consume food items exposed to smoke or canned goods that have been exposed to excessive heat.

Furnace: Change the furnace or air conditioner filter if the blower is operating. Tape two pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.

Pets: Relocate all pets to a safe environment until your house has been fully cleaned and restored.

Plants: Clean plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.

Windows: Open windows to ventilate the area when possible.

If your home or business has been damaged by storm, fire, mold, water or other disaster, Call Paul!